小费
xiǎofèi
The Chinese word for tip is 小费 (xiǎofèi).
小费 refers specifically to a gratuity or a monetary tip given for service. When you want to say 'to give a tip', you typically use the verb 给 (to give) with 小费, resulting in the phrase 给小费.
Meaning: piece of advice (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 小, meaning 'small' and 费, meaning 'fee' or 'expense'. Literally, it translates to 'small fee'.
Which one should you use?
While English uses the word 'tip' for both a monetary gratuity and a piece of advice, Chinese distinguishes between them. Use 小费 for money, but use 提示 (tíshì) if you mean a 'tip' in the sense of a hint or advice.
How do you pronounce it?
xiǎofèi
Did you know?
- In many parts of mainland China, leaving 小费 is actually not expected and can sometimes even be seen as a mistake or an insult to the server's dignity.
- While 小费 is the noun for the money, the phrase 打赏 (dǎshǎng) is used for 'tipping' digital content creators or street performers, originating from ancient imperial rewards.
- In some professional contexts, a 'tip' meant as a bribe is referred to as 红包 (red envelope), which is a cultural gift rather than a service fee.
Examples in context
- 我不知你是否知道，但在美国你要给服务员付小费。I don't know if you know or not, but here in America you're expected to tip the waiter.This sentence illustrates the expectation of giving 小费 to waiters in America.Tatoeba #5632415 by verdastelo9604, translation #4289833 by DostKaplan
- 你们给了小费吗？Did you leave a tip?This sentence is used to ask if someone left a 小费.Tatoeba #679397 by sysko, translation #2423 by CK
- 在酒店吃饭的时候，请给服务员付小费。When dining at a hotel, please give a tip to the waiter/waitress.
- 感谢您的帮助，这是给您的小费。Thank you for your help. This is your tip.
- 如果您对服务满意，可以适当给点小费。If you are satisfied with the service, you can give a tip accordingly.
- 别忘了给服务员加个小费，服务很不错哦。Don't forget to add a tip to the waiter/waitress. The service is very good.
Example conversation
Yuting and Wei are finishing a meal at a restaurant.
- 雨婷 Yuting我们要给多少小费？Wǒmen yào gěi duōshǎo xiǎofèi?How much tip should we give?
- 伟 Wei十块钱应该足够了。Shí kuài qián yīnggāi zúgòu le.Ten yuan should be enough.
- 雨婷 Yuting好的，我把小费放在桌上。Hǎo de, wǒ bǎ xiǎofèi fàng zài zhuō shàng.Okay, I'll leave the tip on the table.
- 伟 Wei没问题，我们走吧。Méi wèntí, wǒmen zǒu ba.No problem, let's go.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
